Leclerc: Sochi not the best track to start on pole

Charles Leclerc has questioned whether gaining pole position for the track at Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix is an advantage or a disadvantage, moments after claiming P1 after finishing fastest in qualifying.

The Monegasque has been the fastest driver all week in the practice sessions, and kept the pace up to better Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel for pole on Saturday.

Due to the long straight and the opportunity for tows in behind after Lights Out, though, he doesn’t think P1 has the same benefit as perhaps other tracks.

“The car felt amazing,” Leclerc said in Russia.

“It definitely feels great to be back on pole, but I don't know if it's the best track to be starting on pole.

“The straight is very long after the start and tomorrow the start will be very important, as always. But here, it will be even more, because of the straight.”

The last Ferrari driver to claim four pole positions in a row was Michael Schumacher, when Leclerc was just three years old, but the Scuderia man admits he isn’t focused on such records at the moment.

Leclerc bests Vettel, Hamilton to take Russia poleRead more

“It definitely feels very special. But, I don't really want to think about those stats,” he explained.

“I just want to focus on the job. There's still a long way to go to tomorrow.

“It's definitely a good start - we've been competitive all week long. It's looking good for tomorrow.”

Since the summer break, Leclerc has been in excellent form, collecting straight victories in Spa and Monza before finishing second to Vettel in Singapore.

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